Juniors go to work in Waco

While the 16s and 18s dabbled in Dallas this past weekend, the 12s and 14s went to work at the Waco Regional Tennis Center Super Championship Major Zone. Coaches Moros, Martinez, and Boyce traveled with the team to Waco.

In the boys’ 12s A draw, Dylan Ritter defeated Connor Lafavre 7-5, 6-2 to advance to the round of 32. After dropping his first match, Zane Ritter bounced back to beat M. Tyer 6-2, 6-3 and advance to the consolation quarter finals. Ben Smith battled to beat Matt Tyer in a tough three set match, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Jake Berber took down Eshan Dave 6-3, 6-1 to also earn a spot in the round of 32. Connor O’Meara fell to Collin Hecht after earning the first set, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.

Payton Holden rallied after a first round loss in the boys’ 12s B draw, to earn three wins and claim the consolation crown. He defeated A. Joseph in the consolation finals 6-1, 6-2. Matthew Milliken beat Eduardo Marquez 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the quarter finals.

After falling to the number one seed in the girls’ 12s draw, Allie Burak responded by earning two wins and a spot in the consolation semi finals. In the quarter finals she beat K. Buck 6-2, 6-2. Maggie O’Meara, the number two seed, faced a tough test in her first match against Lauren Reid. O’Meara outlasted her opponent, earning the victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. She then defeated T. Donaho 6-3, 6-3 to claim her spot in the final eight.

In the girls’ 14s A draw, Nicole Karaklis defeated A. Karpen 6-1, 6-2 to reach the round of 32. Courtney Schulte outlasted M. Ocon in a tough three set match, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to also advance to the round of 32. Sydney Young played two tough matches on the weekend, earning valuable experience.

The experience earned in tournament play at this young age outweighs any result in the scope of their tennis careers. The dedication and sacrifices these junior athletes are demonstrating will pay off tremendously down the road. Learning the value of commitment and sacrifice while in 12s and 14s will prove to be something they carry with them far longer than the memory of the matches won or lost.